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While at the Jane Austen Centre, Mr Short visited its tea room, spent time in the gift shop and paid to go around the exhibition dedicated to the author's time in the city. However, he did so incognito and only revealed his identity on leaving.

A £5 engraved with the line from Pride and Prejudice: 'I hope I never ridicule what is wise or good'

This led to speculation that another engraved £5 note had been put into circulation, in addition to four he released last year.

The centre was very busy on that day and gave out a lot of change before it was realised an engraved note may have been spent and the tills were checked.

The spokesman said: "We are also now aware of the reason behind his visit and although we cannot disclose if the fifth £5 note was spent that day, now we know the truth, it is very exciting news."